OSCARS 2022: Will Smith apologises for slapping Chris Rock

American entertainer, Will Smith, caused a stir at the recently held Oscar Academy Award where he slapped the host of the show, Chris Rock, for making jest of his wife.

Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett, had since 2018 announced to the world that she suffers from Alopecia areata, a condition that causes a sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.

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Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and may be brought on by severe stress. The main symptom is hair loss.

During the event, Rock made a ‘GI Jane’ joke which irked the actor and his wife and prompted the actor to walk on stage and dish the comedian a slap.

Apologising to the comedian via his verified Instagram page, Will Smith admitted that he was out of line for slapping the host of the show on stage.

He said, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.

“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behaviour has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress. Sincerely, Will.”